Saturday August 26, 2023

August 26, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday August 26, 2023

Trump’s 4th Indictment: The Dramatic Mugshot Chronicles

December 21, 2022

In the grand theatre of history, the faces of presidents have been immortalized in iconic images that range from the comedy and tragedy masks of ancient drama to the eerie visage of the ghost-faced mask from the “Scream” series of horror movies. And now, a new face joins this gallery of dramatic expressions: Donald Trump’s mugshot.

Travel back to the early days of photography, reminiscent of the daguerreotype process that captured President William Henry Harrison just after his inauguration in 1841. The stark contrast of light and shadow on these silver-plated surfaces resembled the timeless drama of the theatre. Within a couple of years, John Quincy Adams’ portrait emerged as the oldest surviving presidential photograph, his gaze mirroring the intensity of the ancient comedy and tragedy masks that have symbolized human emotion for centuries.

January 6, 2022

Now, let’s fast-forward to the present, where the stage is dominated by a character that seems to step out of a villain’s playbook. Enter Donald Trump, a name that evokes a sense of both intrigue and polarizing sentiments. With his fourth indictment, he’s elevated himself to a position akin to the iconic face of the original Joker from the Batman universe—a face that blends chaos, cunning, and theatrical flair.

The New York Times: A Trump Mug Shot for History

This modern drama takes centre stage with Trump becoming the first former president to face criminal charges not once, not twice, but four times. His mugshot, however, becomes the defining moment—an image that encapsulates both tragedy and comedy. It’s as if the theatre curtains have parted to reveal not just a man in a suit, but a complex character caught in the crosshairs of the legal system.

In this real-life drama, the ghostly echoes of the “Scream” mask loom large—the hollow eyes and open mouth mirroring the fear that ripples through the corridors of power. Trump’s mugshot becomes a chilling reminder of the consequences that await even the most powerful figures.

February 26, 2021

As Alphonse Bertillon’s techniques from the 1880s merged art and science in criminal identification, Trump’s mugshot becomes an artistic narrative of accountability. Just as Bertillon’s portraits were a “speaking image,” Trump’s mugshot speaks of the dichotomy of power and vulnerability, just like the enigmatic faces of comedy and tragedy.

But this tale isn’t just one of sorrow and seriousness; it’s a tapestry woven with threads of humour and satire. Social media becomes the stage where hashtags like #TrumpMugshot and #OrangeIsTheNewOrange trend, a digital audience reacting to the drama with a mix of amusement and concern.

Analysis: Trump’s mugshot reviewed: ‘More like a foolish old man with anger issues than a presidential contender’

November 6, 2020

In a world where images carry the weight of generations, Trump’s mugshot now stands as a modern-day emblem—a face that signifies not only his personal journey through the legal labyrinth but also the larger narrative of American politics. Just as the comedy and tragedy masks continue to symbolize the essence of human experience, Trump’s mugshot captures a moment of vulnerability and revelation.

As the legal saga continues and the trial approaches, this mugshot becomes a recurring motif in the ever-evolving narrative of Trump’s legacy. Much like the iconic faces that have graced the stages and screens, this image serves as a mirror reflecting the drama, intrigue, and complexity of our times. In the mosaic of American history, the mugshot emerges as a potent and enduring symbol—an image that unifies the comedy, tragedy, villainy, and fear that colour the chapters of America’s story. (AI) Editorial cartoon published in the Hamilton Spectator and the Toronto Star.

Fulton Prison Blues

With apologies to Johnny Cash

(Verse 1) I hear the tweets a-tweetin’, in the early mornin’ sun, I ain’t seen facts or truth since this wild ride begun, I’m stuck in Fulton prison, where delusions run amok, But those tweets keep on flowin’, like a never-ending truck.

(Verse 2) Well, I was just a billionaire, with buildings made of gold, They said I’d be a leader, a story to be told, But I spun tales of grandeur, oh, the lies did multiply, Now when I hear that news reportin’, I just can’t help but sigh.

(Verse 3) I bet there’s folks in Mar-a-Lago, sippin’ on champagne, Livin’ life so lavish, playin’ in my big charade, Well, I know I’ve caused a stir, but I’ll never take the blame, Those folks keep believin’, and that’s my kind of game.

(Verse 4) If I could leave this prison, if that plane was mine to steer, I’d fly beyond the chaos, let my legacy be clear, Far from Fulton’s prison, to a land of gold and spray, And I’d let those critics chatter, as I tweet my blues away.

Saturday June 24, 2023

June 24, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday June 24, 2023

Deep Water Rubber Necking Will Always Thrill Some, Despite Safety Concerns

July 13, 2021

The recent tragedy involving the Titan submersible has reignited the debate around deep-sea tourism safety. While calls for stricter regulations are expected, enforcing them across international waters poses challenges. The incident was an outlier, as most deep-sea excursions have been incident-free for over 60 years. Although safety is crucial, deep sea rubber necking will continue to be sought after by thrill-seekers with means.

The absence of regulations in international waters makes implementing safety measures difficult. Industry experts support certification for submersibles, but passing and enforcing regulations globally is complex. Responsible submersible operators prioritize safety, exploring natural phenomena at depths of 500 meters or less. It’s vital to distinguish between such operators and OceanGate’s unconventional decision with the Titan.

News: OceanGate Was Warned of Potential for ‘Catastrophic’ Problems With Titanic Mission

Despite the tragedy, the allure of deep-sea exploration remains. Future expeditions may include submarine tours to view the Titanic and Titan debris. While safety regulations should be enhanced, the limitations in international waters must be acknowledged. Rather than focusing solely on oversight, improving operations and responsible practices should be prioritized within the submersible industry.

The families affected by the Titanic disaster express their disdain for exploring their loved ones’ resting place. Their emotional pleas remind us of the tragedy. However, responsible and respectful expeditions can offer valuable historical insights.

Deep sea rubber necking will always captivate some individuals, and the fascination with exploring iconic shipwrecks will persist. Balancing regulation and the freedom to explore the depths is a delicate task. As technology advances, we must ensure future expeditions prioritize safety while continuing to ignite our curiosity about the wonders hidden beneath the waves. (AI) | Also printed in the Toronto Star.

Letters to the Editor, The Hamilton Spectator, June 28, 2023

Letters to the Editor

Cartoon was an affront

If the editorial cartoon in Saturday’s Spec was meant to be humorous, it failed miserably. Maybe staff forgot that five people perished in a completely avoidable tragedy.

If the cartoon was meant to inform or entertain, again it missed the mark. The cartoon is in fact an affront to the memories of those who died.

The Spec has of late been very conscientious about holding various public institutions to account, but this cartoon makes all of that seem artificial and shows your true colours.

Jack Coruzzi, Brantford

Cartoon nailed it

MacKay’s Saturday cartoon was brilliant and spot on. Adventure tourism gets headlines for billionaires who cost the public millions, while 500 refugees died in an accident on the Mediterranean, and hardly a word was uttered. We live in a shameful society that needs to be called out by satirists like MacKay.

Rhonda Hilton, Burlington

Wednesday June 9, 2021

June 16, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 9, 2021

Muslim family in Canada killed in ‘premeditated’ truck attack

The attack took place in the city of London, Ontario province. A boy aged nine, the family’s only survivor, is in hospital with serious injuries.

A 20-year-old Canadian man has been charged with four counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.

The attack was the worst against Canadian Muslims since six people were killed in a Quebec City mosque in 2017.

“It is believed that these victims were targeted because they were Muslim,” Det Supt Paul Waight told a news conference on Monday.

Police are weighing possible terrorism charges, he said, adding that it is believed to be a hate crime.

Two women – aged 74 and 44 – a 46-year-old man and a 15-year-old girl were all killed. They have not been named, in accordance with the wishes of the family. A nine-year-old boy was in hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, said police.

Police named the alleged attacker as Nathanial Veltman, 20, of London, Ontario. He was arrested without incident at a shopping centre about 6km (4.8 miles) from the crime scene.

It is not yet known if the suspect has ties to any hate groups, said Det Supt Waight.

“There is no known previous connection between the suspect and the victims,” Det Supt Waight said, adding that the suspect was wearing a vest that appeared to be “like body armour”.

Police said Mr Veltman had no previous convictions.

Officials added that there was good weather and high visibility conditions when the black truck was seen mounting the kerb on Hyde Park Road at around 20:40 local time on Sunday.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford was among those who paid tribute to the victims, tweeting: “Hate and Islamophobia have NO place in Ontario.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that he was “horrified” by the news.

“To the loved ones of those who were terrorised by yesterday’s act of hatred, we are here for you,” he wrote.

“This was an act of mass murder, perpetrated against Muslims, against Londoners, and rooted in unspeakable hatred,” said London Mayor Ed Holder.

In a statement, Mayor Holder said he was speaking “on behalf of all Londoners when I say our hearts are broken”.

“We grieve for the family, three generations of whom are now deceased.”

Nawaz Tahir, a London lawyer and representative of the Muslim community, said during the police news conference: “These were innocent human beings who were killed simply because they were Muslim.”

“We will stand strong against Islamophobia. We will stand strong against terror with faith, with love, and a quest for justice,” he continued.

“Hate will never overshadow the light of love.”

It is not the first time members of the Muslim community in Canada have come under attack.

In January 2017, a Canadian man fatally shot six worshippers at the Quebec Islamic Cultural Centre, and seriously injured five others. The perpetrator was sentenced to life in prison.

Canada’s deadliest vehicle-ramming attack happened in 2018, when a self-described “incel” (involuntary celibate) ploughed his van into a group of pedestrians in Toronto, killing 10 people. (BBC)

Thursday June 16, 2016

June 15, 2016 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday June 16, 2016

Orlando Alligator Disney Death Is The Third Tragedy To Strike Florida City In Less Than A Week

The day after the massacre at the Pulse gay nightclub, Mayor Buddy Dyer, called the tragedy “the worst day in history of Orlando.” But the Pulse shooting is not the only misfortune Orlando has had to endure in the past few days.

On Tuesday night, a 2-year-old boy was dragged away by an alligator at a Walt Disney World resort in the Central Florida city. The toddler, whose body was still being searched for more than 15 hours later, is believed to be dead. The incident is the latest in a spate of tragedies that has hit Orlando in one of the darkest weeks in the city’s history, following the killing of singer Christine Grimmie Friday and the Pulse attack, the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. History.

Grimmie, who finished in third-place on Season 6 of NBC’s “The Voice,” was shot to death Friday night while giving autographs after her concert at the Plaza Live theater. Police have identified 27-year old Kevin James Loibl of St. Petersburg, Florida, as the gunman. Loibl, who was armed with two handguns and a large hunting knife, shot himself after opening fire on Grimmie.

News of Grimmie’s death sparked a national discussion about gun control, a conversation that was only amplified when the news of the Pulse attack hit less than 48 hours later. The attack on the gay nightclub occurred early Sunday morning when a lone gunman, identified as 29-year-old Omar Mateen, started firing at club patrons with an assault rifle and took hostages before SWAT teams stormed the building and gunned him down. (Source: International Business Times)

Published in The Western Star, Cornerbrook, Newfoundland

Thursday April 9, 2015

April 8, 2015 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday April 9, 2015

We may tire of the Duffy circus

If nothing else, we now know that the trial of Mike Duffy will be exhaustively chronicled, in real time, with no tawdry detail left un-tweeted. At times Tuesday it seemed every journalist in Canada was engaged in the play-by-play.

But will Canadians beyond Ottawa get mad at the Senate fat cats and power mongers all over again? Or will they gaze through the headlines with a fatalistic, heard-it-allbefore shrug? With Election 2015 looming, this is the critical question. And the best answer is neither clear-cut nor satisfactory: It depends. For each of the major parties, including the Conservatives themselves, there are potential opportunities in this, the closest political Canada has seen to the O.J. Simpson trial, as well as the obvious pitfalls.

The consensus view, much asserted in the past 48 hours amid a cascade of setup coverage (Five things you need to know about the Duffy Trial; Your Duffy Trial Primer; All About Duff, no Guff!), is that the trial of Mike Duffy on 31 criminal charges, including fraud, breach of trust and bribery, could be Stephen Harper’s Waterloo. It has been likened to the Gomery inquiry into the Liberal sponsorship scandal, accounts of which rocked the Liberal party in 2004-05 and contributed to Paul Martin Jr.’s being held to a brief two years as prime minister. This trial comes at a most awkward time for Harper, with his bid for re-election already hampered by an economy gone soft, and his party suffering from the sclerosis common to all decade-old Canadian administrations. (Source: National Post)

Posted to National Newswatch.com